The Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) has deployed trained local media observers to monitor the elections taking place today across districts in the Banadir Region, reinforcing its commitment to defending freedom of expression, safeguarding media freedom, and supporting responsible journalism during critical democratic processes.
The deployment forms part of SOMWA’s broader role in upholding the public’s right to know and contributing to a transparent and credible transition to democracy. Through close observation, the association was assessing journalists’ access to information and key electoral actors, the safety and security of media professionals, the quality and balance of election coverage, and the overall conditions under which journalists are reporting on the electoral process.
During the observation, SOMWA witnessed one minor incident related to media access and election coverage. The association promptly engaged with the relevant electoral officials, including the commission, and was able to address and resolve the issues immediately, allowing journalists to continue their work without disruption.
By monitoring these elements, SOMWA aims to help ensure that election results genuinely reflect the will of the people and that the media can operate freely, safely, and professionally without intimidation or obstruction.
“This work is essential not only for protecting journalists but also for strengthening public trust in local governance processes,” said Maryan Seylac, Executive Director of SOMWA, who was leading the SOMWA observation team.
“When journalists are able to access information freely and report without fear, citizens are better informed, and democratic processes become more transparent and credible. Our presence today is about protecting that space and ensuring the media can do its job in the public interest.”
SOMWA’s election monitoring follows high-level engagement aimed at improving the safety and working conditions of journalists ahead of polling day. On the 24th, one day before the elections, SOMWA leadership, together with the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), met with the Chair of the National Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission of Somalia (NIEBC).
During the meeting, the parties discussed concrete steps to guarantee journalist safety and ensure unrestricted access to information throughout the electoral process. Following the discussions, the NIEBC Chair, accompanied by senior police leadership, addressed a news conference, affirming that journalist safety is “fully guaranteed” and that media outlets will have “unhindered access throughout the election process.”
SOMWA welcomed the assurances, noting that continued cooperation between electoral authorities, security institutions, and media organisations is vital to protecting press freedom and strengthening democratic practices in Somalia.
